The 2012 recipients for Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Manufacturing Sector are:

Colgate – Palmolive Company is recognized for adopting 85/3 company wide, multiple noise controls studies, development of noise control measures, online, on demand noise control training in 6 languages: here are some of the points.

– 39,000 employees, 16 Billion is sales, 60 plants.

– Committed to world class health and safety performance

– Every plant has an E O H S professional on staff.

– Global standards for OH&S – noise standards are the same wherever there is a plant.

– Reduce noise at the source, design quiet – equipment at < 82 dBA

– Operate quiet – preventative maintenance stop noise at the source.

– Noise reduction taught around the world (D. Driscoll slide)

– Reduce noise at the source. Require all site to have 2 noise reduction projects per year everywhere.

– Implemented over 250 noise reduction projects worldwide.

– Challenged to create a zero hearing protection sites

– Colgate will promote the winning of the award throughout the company.

Largest U.S. manufacturing plant for 3M. Recognized for all inclusive and fully integrated approach for hearing health. Fit Testing all plant personnel, Buying Quiet program. 700 in hearing conservation program out of 1,400 employees. Tapes, Filters, Post-it etc. 3 keys – Noise measurement, Noise Reduction, and Hearing conservation excellence. (371 dosimetry samples in the last year). Use the Using Ear-Fit system they tested a sample of 84 people initially: here are some of the points.

– 55% got a good fit,

– 24% needed training to get a good fit (+20 dBA,

– 19% needed Training and a switch of plug and

– 2% couldn’t be fit with any plug (Used custom of muffs)

– Using Ear-Fit they were able to get people who had worn plugs for years. They got an Aha’ moment when they finally got a good fit and found out what that felt like, and sounded like.

– Stock combat arms in their factory store for hunters.

The 2012 recipient for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Construction Sector is: